Intergenerational violence in Burundi: Experienced childhood maltreatment increases the risk of abusive child rearing and intimate partner violence

Experiencing abuse during childhood affects the psychological well-being of individuals throughout their lives and may even influence their offspring by enhancing the likelihood of an intergenerational transmission of violence. Understanding the effects of childhood maltreatment on child-rearing practices and intimate partner violence might be of particular importance to overcome the consequences of violent conflicts in African societies. Using Burundi as an example, we aimed to explore the associations between childhood maltreatment, intimate partner violence, perceived partner intimidation, gender and the probability of violently acting out against one's own children or romantic partner. Amongst a sample of 141 men and 141 women in the capital of Burundi, we identified those who had biological children and those who lived or had lived in relationships. Using culturally appropriate instruments, we enquired about their exposure to childhood maltreatment and partner violence as well as their inclinations to act out violently. We found that childhood maltreatment and perceived partner intimidation were strong predictors for the perpetration of violence against children. Moreover, we found that women were more likely to use violence against children if they experienced partner violence and less likely to resort to violence if they felt intimidated. Men were more likely to perpetrate violence against their partner. Childhood maltreatment was again a strong predictor. The more women experienced partner violence, the more they fought back. Childhood maltreatment is a strong predictor for domestic violence and has to be addressed to interrupt the cycle of violence in post-conflict countries.

童年时期遭受虐待，会对个体终生的心理健康福祉造成负面影响，甚至还会通过提升暴力代际传递的概率，对其后代产生影响。明晰童年虐待（childhood maltreatment）对育儿行为及亲密伴侣暴力（intimate partner violence）的影响，对于缓解非洲社会暴力冲突遗留的后果而言，或许具有尤为重要的意义。本研究以布隆迪为案例，旨在探究童年虐待、亲密伴侣暴力、感知到的伴侣恐吓、性别，与针对自身子女或恋爱伴侣实施暴力行为的概率之间的关联。本研究在布隆迪首都的141名男性与141名女性组成的样本中，筛选出拥有亲生子女者，以及当前或曾处于恋爱关系中的人群。本研究采用符合文化适配性的调研工具，询问了参与者的童年虐待暴露史、亲密伴侣暴力经历，以及其实施暴力行为的倾向。研究结果显示，童年虐待与感知到的伴侣恐吓，均为针对儿童实施暴力行为的强预测因子。此外，研究发现，经历过亲密伴侣暴力的女性更有可能对子女实施暴力，而感受到伴侣恐吓的女性则更少诉诸暴力。男性则更有可能对其伴侣实施暴力，而童年虐待同样是强有力的预测因子。女性经历的亲密伴侣暴力越多，其反击行为也越频繁。童年虐待是家庭暴力的强预测因子，若要中断冲突后国家的暴力循环，必须对其加以应对与干预。